IN A ground-breaking experiment as part of the second phase of the Government’s scientific Events Research Programme, Download Pilot invited 10,000 rock and heavy metal fans back to the hallowed grounds of Donington Park for a three-day camping festival over the weekend of June 18th to 20th.
Yes you read that right; no social distancing, no masks and moshing allowed! Truly a return to a world we all took for granted pre-covid. All attendees were required to take both a PCR and lateral flow test prior to the event, share details with NHS test and trace and show proof of a negative result to enter the festival, and must submit a second PCR test five days post-event.
Whilst still in the extremely early stages of data collection, the event was hailed a massive success, with organisers confident that they have proved 100% that events will be able to go ahead from this point onward. Live music fans, rejoice (cautiously)!
Headlined by Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Enter Shikari and Bullet For My Valentine, 40 acts from the UK’s rock scene waived their fees, purely motivated by the prospect of being a part of the return of live music events. Every single band put on the show of their careers, purely elated to be back doing what they love; performing in front of a crowd in a muddy field.
Whilst it remains to be seen whether the results of this Government-led experiment will provide future events with the evidence to return safely in the near future, it is an undeniable fact that anyone who managed to be one of the lucky 10,000 in attendance of Download Pilot left Donington on the Monday in a complete and utter euphoric state of wonder. After over a year of being locked indoors, not a ‘normal’ gig to be found nationwide, it was pure perfection to return to some semblance of normality for just three short days.
Read more about Download Pilot here!
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